iTunes Editors’ Notes

While a large portion of Jonathan Richman’s fan base is undoubtedly still waiting with baited breath for the once incendiary singer-songwriter to return to the angst ridden, Velvet Underground informed intensity of his early work with the Modern Lovers, Richman continues down his own unique artistic path, happily unconcerned with the nostalgic wishes of his audience. Richman articulates this several times on Because Her Beauty Is Raw and Wild, most forcefully on the charmingly ragged “Es Como El Pan," where he expresses his desire to live for the moment and not to dwell over stale memories that he compares to “day old bread.” Despite the unassuming raggedness of the recordings here, Richman’s musicianship and songwriting skills seem to have reached a delightful peak. Watch as he effortlessly fuses the simple three chord pop of his early days with styles as diverse as Bossa Nova, Tejano Border music, and even French Pop. Fans who grumble that Jonathan Richman has become too precious in his old age are missing out on some of the best music of his career.

Customer Reviews

He can do no wrong

by
Kip Onnetty

I just saw him in concert for my first time and he ended with "As My Mother Lay Lying". Since then I've been trying to find that song, and finally here it is. Jonathan Richman is truly a unique talent. His songs on this album are very well written and sung. This album is not for everyone because not everyone recognizes good music, but if you like Jonathan Richman already then this album will not disappoint. If you're not familiar with his work, then you should probably start with the Modern Lovers and just work your way up. He'll have you laughing and crying all in the same song.

Beautifully Played, Artfully Written

by
chefivy

Johnathan mixes gorgeous soul-searching ballads about death, suffering and pain with little rockin numbers
that make you laugh (see When We Refuse To Suffer) just when you started to take him too seriously. A better song writer and performer than even
I had originally thought, and I've like him for years.

Like dad dancing around the diningroom table, that once

by
jasond2

some more great songs from the dude, mistakes shmistakes, Raw and Wild!

Biography

Born: May 15, 1951 in Boston, MA

Genre: Rock

Years Active: '70s, '80s, '90s, '00s, '10s

Jonathan Richman was one of rock's most eccentric and unpredictable cult figures, a performer whose eternally childlike public persona and seeming naiveté — typified by songs like "Ice Cream Man," "Hey There Little Insect" and "I'm a Little Aeroplane" — tended to obscure the dexterity and craft of his music, which skirted from garage rock to country to Latin stylings and back. Born May 15, 1951 in Boston, Massachusetts, Richman began playing guitar at the age of 15, and within a year...